Top News:
Alex Sherman / CNBC:
Interview with Kevin Mayer, passed over for a job as Disney CEO, then sidelined as TikTok CEO after Trump said he'd ban the app, on SPACs and pay TV's decline — - Kevin Mayer speaks about how he was disappointed when he didn't get the Disney CEO job and how he got railroaded by the Trump administration when at TikTok.
Discussion:
The Wrap, @dylanbyers, @sherman4949, Too Much TV Newsletter, @blowryontv, @dylanbyers, @scottgustin, @sfiegerman, @pkafka, @ballmatthew, @sarafischer and @loudmouthjulia
Sara Guaglione / Digiday:
Vox says podcast revenue doubled across its network, which has 200+ podcasts, in 2020, as it tests spinning off podcast episodes into standalone shows — Vox Media is testing out how one popular podcast can be an incubator for more audio shows not tied to the news.
Discussion:
@jason_kint
Julia Alexander / The Verge:
YouTube rolls out Checks, a creator tool that scans videos ahead of uploading for copyrighted material; the system relies on YouTube's Content ID — Theoretically, Checks will help with demonetization issues — In an effort to make the process of uploading a video and receiving ad revenue easier …
Sam Schechner / Wall Street Journal:
France says Apple's upcoming IDFA ad privacy changes are not abusive but will investigate if Apple has stricter rules for third-party apps than for its own apps — French competition authority says Apple's changes 'don't appear to be abusive' — France's competition regulator rejected …
Discussion:
Reuters, TechCrunch, CNET, @samschech, MacRumors, 9to5Mac and Bloomberg, more at Techmeme »
Julia Ainsley / NBC News:
Sources: Biden administration is restricting the information Border Patrol can share with media about migrant surge at the southern border — WASHINGTON — The Biden administration is restricting the information Border Patrol agents and sector chiefs can share with the media as a surge …
Discussion:
Mediaite, The Hill, @gopleader, @juliaeainsley, @mikedelmoro, @dlind, @mikebalsamo1, @lews___therin, @yamiche and @zekejmiller
Shirley Zhao / Bloomberg:
Sources: China told media to stagger Oscars telecast, after nomination of a HK protests documentary and concern over views of Best Director contender Chloe Zhao — - The awards ceremony shouldn't be broadcast in real time — Outlets should only report on awards not deemed sensitive
Discussion:
Variety, Mediaite, Hollywood Reporter, New York Post, @micahflee, @lucas_shaw, IndieWire and Fast Company
Substack Blog:
Substack shares details on its Pro program after criticism, saying 30+ writers with a “diverse set of viewpoints” have signed up, none of whom are anti-trans — In recent days, we've heard from some people who are concerned that we might have been using Substack Pro …
Thomas Seal / Bloomberg:
GroupM says global smart TV advertising grew 7.4% to $12B in 2020; DoubleVerify estimates the number of smart TV fraud impressions tripled in 2020 — - Ad industry plays whac-a-mole to tackle fake ad views — The $12 billion smart-TV ad market is biggest area of fraud
Sara Morrison / Vox:
TikTok says most users will be unable to opt out of personalized ads starting April 15; users in the European Union will be exempted due to GDPR — On April 15, TikTok's ad targeting will get more aggressive. — SHARE All sharing options — If you have a TikTok account …
Discussion:
MediaPost, @samuelstolton and The Verge
Brad Esposito / Very Fine Day:
Interview with Brandy Zadrozny of NBC News, on working as a researcher at Fox News, the odd politics of 2016, QAnon, and the sadness of dark stories — Well, it's March again. Get 50% off a paid subscription to VFD - forever. Check it out HERE. — Don't know what Very Fine Day is?
Discussion:
@tomnamako, @taylorlorenz, @vestaljen, @walldo and @brandyzadrozny
TJCX:
Analysis of New York Times' A/B tests of its headlines, which often use dramatic, emotionally-charged language to boost engagement — The New York Times is a big deal. As they tell their advertisers, the NYT is the #1 news source for young, rich thought leaders:
Discussion:
@jackisnotabird, @joshsternberg, @wolfiechristl, @dvg, @peterkoechley, @chrismoranuk, @craigsilverman and @brianfishman
Seth Berkman / New York Times:
A look at South Korean TV shows' extensive use of product placement to get around restrictions on commercial breaks, resulting in many shows featuring Subway — The sandwich chain's aggressive use of product placement has made it a ubiquitous presence on the country's television shows.
Discussion:
@goawaywithjae and @theericgoldman
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